Based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, Richard Ashford Ltd was first established in 1972, and has built a leading reputation regionally for high quality workmanship and service levels. The company specialises in all aspects of civil engineering and associated enabling and drainage works, together with road construction and surfacing as well as equestrian surfaces and structures. The company has a strong regional presence in Buckinghamshire, and also operates across neighbouring counties Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire.

Lee Irvine, Managing Director of Irvine Grenson Ltd., said: “I am delighted to have acquired Richard Ashford Ltd. This was a key acquisition that provides an established platform to enable us to deliver the substantial contracts we are winning throughout Buckinghamshire, the Northern Home Counties and beyond. The Richard Ashford name will continue and I am delighted that [former owner] Mike Allen has agreed to stay on to assist me with the day-to-day running of the business.

“We have great aspirations to take Richard Ashford Ltd to the next level, to learn from its vast skill and expertise whilst bringing our own style of progressive, modern and forward-thinking management. The combined size and strength of the business will enable us to satisfy the ever-increasing demand for high quality work in a competitive market. We will make good use of our new economies of scale to leverage best value for our clients.”

Mike Allen, former owner and Managing Director of Richard Ashford Ltd, said: “I have worked in the firm, first founded by my uncle, for over 38 years. I felt it was time to find a new owner for the business to take it forward. In finding a suitable new owner it was important to me that they be like-minded and shared my desire to see the good name of Richard Ashford Ltd continue and, indeed, grow. I’m sure that under the youthful and enthusiastic direction of Lee Irvine the business will go from strength to strength.”